Somerset Eagles' new signing Keishen Bean has issued a "be patient" plea to supporters as coach Kenny Thompson prepares the West Enders for life in the top flight.

Thompson's aggressive manoeuverings in the pre-season transfer window have now seen 12 players join his White Hill revolution including Bermuda Hogges striker Antwan Russell and promising Dandy Town defender Shakir Smith.

But Bean, 22, has urged supporters to temper their expectation levels and doesn't believe Eagles will be challenging for the title in their first campaign back in the Premier Division.

"Eagles have made a few good signings and with the mix of players that they already have we should be a force," said Bean.

"As far as expectations, I think the programme will do fairly well this season but the type of football we're playing and the style we're working on, we may not see the results until next season or maybe the one after.

"I hope people don't expect Kenny to work a miracle and turn Eagles into league contenders straightaway. I urge the Somerset Eagles fans to be patient because Rome wasn't built in a day."

Bean, who starred for Ottawa Fury in the Professional Development League (PDL) last term, admits it was a difficult decision to leave his boyhood club North Village but said the chance to link with his godfather, Thompson, was too good to turn down.

"I'm very excited about the programme that has been put in place at Eagles," said the ex-Bermuda Hogges midfielder.

"With the youth system producing the goods, and my godfather Kenny Thompson overseeing the entire project we are moving in the right direction.

"I decided that Eagles would be best for me because I think they have the motivation and work ethic to make it to the top.

"It was very tough to leave Village because of all the good memories and cups we have shared. Village will always be in my heart and I thank them for helping me to develop."

Thompson, who guided Eagles to the First Division championship last season, has already added attacking midfielder Travis Wilkinson from Southampton Rangers, Devonshire Colts' Jamal Simmons and PHC's Aquino Grant to his new-look squad.

n Bermuda international Tyrell Burgess came on after 83 minutes in Vancouver Whitecaps' 1-1 draw against Rochester Rhinos at the Swangard Stadium last Saturday.

Charles Gbeke put the Whitecaps in front midway through the second period before former Vancouver midfielder Ze Roberto earned the Rhinos a point with a late equaliser.

Whitecaps are now unbeaten in five matches in USL-D1 and remain in the final play-off position.